Browser Hijacker

 

 Before you can fully understand what a browser hijacker does, you need to know what it is and how it can infect your computer.

What is a browser hijacker? How does it get onboard?

Basically, a browser hijacker is a form of malware or spyware that attaches itself to your favorite Internet browser under the form of a plugin. It has a lot in common with spyware software. First of all, it attempts to remain cloaked so that you can’t detect it or find out where it resides on the hard drive. Second, the browser hijacker will attempt to counter any form of removal, be it with an antispyware tool or by hand. Third, a browser hijacker will most often steal private information and send it to an unknown person over a backdoor connection.

Browser hijackers can infect your PC from a number of sources. The must common sources of infection are dangerous websites. Besides a number of tracking programs, you will surely get one of these parasites from them. Be very careful where you navigate! Another source of infection is some obscure freeware tools. When you install the tool, the hijacker is also installed. Watch out what you install and try to verify the authenticity certificate whenever possible. The third most important source of infection are rogue antivirus and antispyware products. Stay away from them even if they look attractive. Obscure software that is also free does not sound very good.

The effects of a browser hijacker

This parasitic program will start by changing your home page to a new one. Remember, the hijacker’s main purpose is to generate clicks to its owner’s website. Through that website, the owner sells something, so the browser hijacker is a tool that increases the sales. However, action is being taken against these people to stop them once and for all! Another thing the parasite will attempt to change is the default search engine. For example, you have Google as your default search engine. One day, you find another search engine you never heard of instead of Google. This is a clear sign that a browser hijacker is changing settings without your consent.

There are hijackers that even change the default error page. For example, if you mistype an URL, you will find yourself on a very odd page that will attempt to convince you to buy something. Since people are very ingenious, there are a lot of combinations that are used with the help of a browser hijacker. For example, when you open the Internet browser, your homepage will be a page advertising a rogue antispyware tool. This page will have a lot of warnings, telling you that you are infected with dozens of spyware programs. It will also infect your computer even further and make it look like it is really infected. You will be persuaded to buy the antispyware. The antispyware tool might be a virus carrier. Once you install it, all hell breaks loose.

A browser hijacker is a very strong security breach and you must take action at once. Since these parasites are approximately the same as spyware, a good antispyware tool will detect and remove them. Good antispyware tools also lock your homepage and search page to make sure any new hijacker does not get the chance to strike ever again. You are strongly advised to update your protection tools frequently.